Sunday, May 31, 2009
Fun and Games with Jenners -- Game 5: Lit Riffs
Jenners is always coming up with crazy ideas and fun games. If you aren't already a regular reader of her blog(s) something must be wrong with you!
This time for Fun and Games with Jenners you must choose a song and write a short story about it. I picked Tim McGraw: I didn't ask, She didn't say. Yes, I know it's old, but I like it so hate me if you want.
And here is the story I wrote based on the song lyrics.
“Andy, is that you? Andrew Greene -- it can’t be.”
I was sitting at the Detroit Metro Airport waiting for my flight to Boston when I heard that voice. It had been years, almost two decades since I’d heard it, yet I recognized it immediately. Susan Martin.
I turned around and saw her. She was more beautiful than I remembered, if that’s possible. Her auburn hair was cascading over her left shoulder and her blue eyes were bright and full of life.
“Andy is that you?” she asked again.
“Susan?” I said, unable to believe my own eyes.
She hugged me and I stumbled my way through the awkward embrace.
“Why are you in Detroit?” she asked.
I couldn't think, my mind was racing. Racing back to a time when things were far different between Susan and I. Far different.
“Fog,” was all I could say.
Susan laughed. The same rich laugh that haunts my dreams.
“Fog brought you to Detroit. Surely, Detroit has more to offer than fog.”
“Oh, business, I mean. I’m waiting for a flight back to Boston. It was delayed by fog. You?”
“My mother lives here now. I was visiting for a weekend -- just the girls. My flight out has been delayed as well.” She smiled then and I remembered the last time I saw that smile. I was 22 and completely in love with her. She was elated over being accepted to the University of California at Berkeley. She was making plans for us. Plans that I would be a part of. California. The land of sun, fun, dreams and, who could forget, love. It couldn’t be further than where I had to be.
“I can’t leave the pharmaceutical company, Susie. I just can’t do that right now.”
“But Andy, I’ve got to go. I can’t, no make that I won’t, pass up this opportunity.”
My chest tightened at the memory. What would have happened if I had thrown caution to the wind, if I’d went with her. Oh, to count the times I’ve wondered that.
“Did you have an enjoyable time? With your mother?” I asked.
“Yes, I did. How long is your delay? Want to get some dinner and catch up?”
I glanced at my watch, stalling for time, time to think. Time to remember.
“Will you write me when I’m away at school?” she asked, so young, so innocent.
“Yes, I will write. This time will go fast. I promise. You shall see.” I felt more like a parent than a lover. “We have the rest of our lives ahead of us.”
I checked her bags and watched as her flight ascended.
“Dinner sounds great,” I said.
Over shrimp and salad she updated me with the abridged version the the last eighteen years.
“I married Craig two summers out of Berkeley. You’d really like him. He’s a lot like you. Maybe a little less driven.”
Ah, driven. I’d been blinded by my drive. My drive to succeed, but at what cost. I didn’t keep up with the letters. Soon hers slowed down. She began to realize that my work was the most important thing in my life and she would not take the backseat.
“What about you?” she asked, “Married?”
“Twice, no children and remaining divorced forever.”
She laughed again, a sweet sound, completely indescribable. I could actually feel my heart melting.
She opened her purse and pulled out a tiny wallet of photos. All happy people staring at us.
“These are my children, Erika, Danielle, Michael and Nicholas.”
She’d always wanted a large family and there they were, smiling at me almost knowingly.
“They are beautiful, like their mother.”
She blushed and tried to change the subject. “Still working for ATP Pharmaceuticals?”
“Vice President,” I said, not quite as proud as I’d always been.
“That’s great,” she said.
We were out of things to say, playing with the food on our plates and the wine in our glasses, when they called my flight.
Again, the awkward embrace.
“Good to see you,” I said, “take care of yourself and that family of yours.”
“You do the same,” she said.
I walked away wondering if we could have made it had my choices been different. I often wonder if she thinks about me like I think about her, but I didn’t ask and she didn’t say.
If you want to play along, just click the button below to find out how.
This time for Fun and Games with Jenners you must choose a song and write a short story about it. I picked Tim McGraw: I didn't ask, She didn't say. Yes, I know it's old, but I like it so hate me if you want.
And here is the story I wrote based on the song lyrics.
“Andy, is that you? Andrew Greene -- it can’t be.”
I was sitting at the Detroit Metro Airport waiting for my flight to Boston when I heard that voice. It had been years, almost two decades since I’d heard it, yet I recognized it immediately. Susan Martin.
I turned around and saw her. She was more beautiful than I remembered, if that’s possible. Her auburn hair was cascading over her left shoulder and her blue eyes were bright and full of life.
“Andy is that you?” she asked again.
“Susan?” I said, unable to believe my own eyes.
She hugged me and I stumbled my way through the awkward embrace.
“Why are you in Detroit?” she asked.
I couldn't think, my mind was racing. Racing back to a time when things were far different between Susan and I. Far different.
“Fog,” was all I could say.
Susan laughed. The same rich laugh that haunts my dreams.
“Fog brought you to Detroit. Surely, Detroit has more to offer than fog.”
“Oh, business, I mean. I’m waiting for a flight back to Boston. It was delayed by fog. You?”
“My mother lives here now. I was visiting for a weekend -- just the girls. My flight out has been delayed as well.” She smiled then and I remembered the last time I saw that smile. I was 22 and completely in love with her. She was elated over being accepted to the University of California at Berkeley. She was making plans for us. Plans that I would be a part of. California. The land of sun, fun, dreams and, who could forget, love. It couldn’t be further than where I had to be.
“I can’t leave the pharmaceutical company, Susie. I just can’t do that right now.”
“But Andy, I’ve got to go. I can’t, no make that I won’t, pass up this opportunity.”
My chest tightened at the memory. What would have happened if I had thrown caution to the wind, if I’d went with her. Oh, to count the times I’ve wondered that.
“Did you have an enjoyable time? With your mother?” I asked.
“Yes, I did. How long is your delay? Want to get some dinner and catch up?”
I glanced at my watch, stalling for time, time to think. Time to remember.
“Will you write me when I’m away at school?” she asked, so young, so innocent.
“Yes, I will write. This time will go fast. I promise. You shall see.” I felt more like a parent than a lover. “We have the rest of our lives ahead of us.”
I checked her bags and watched as her flight ascended.
“Dinner sounds great,” I said.
Over shrimp and salad she updated me with the abridged version the the last eighteen years.
“I married Craig two summers out of Berkeley. You’d really like him. He’s a lot like you. Maybe a little less driven.”
Ah, driven. I’d been blinded by my drive. My drive to succeed, but at what cost. I didn’t keep up with the letters. Soon hers slowed down. She began to realize that my work was the most important thing in my life and she would not take the backseat.
“What about you?” she asked, “Married?”
“Twice, no children and remaining divorced forever.”
She laughed again, a sweet sound, completely indescribable. I could actually feel my heart melting.
She opened her purse and pulled out a tiny wallet of photos. All happy people staring at us.
“These are my children, Erika, Danielle, Michael and Nicholas.”
She’d always wanted a large family and there they were, smiling at me almost knowingly.
“They are beautiful, like their mother.”
She blushed and tried to change the subject. “Still working for ATP Pharmaceuticals?”
“Vice President,” I said, not quite as proud as I’d always been.
“That’s great,” she said.
We were out of things to say, playing with the food on our plates and the wine in our glasses, when they called my flight.
Again, the awkward embrace.
“Good to see you,” I said, “take care of yourself and that family of yours.”
“You do the same,” she said.
I walked away wondering if we could have made it had my choices been different. I often wonder if she thinks about me like I think about her, but I didn’t ask and she didn’t say.
If you want to play along, just click the button below to find out how.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Graduations: Favorite Quote #1
As I mentioned a few post back, for my job, I get to cover quite a few graduations this time of year. Last night was the first of the season and I decided to post my favorite quote of the evening.
The superintendent quoted President Woodrow Wilson:
So I ask you...are you making a living or are you enriching the world?
The superintendent quoted President Woodrow Wilson:
"You are not here merely to make a living. You are here to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, and with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world."
So I ask you...are you making a living or are you enriching the world?
Friday, May 29, 2009
Friday High Five: some unusual happenings from the week
You guessed it. Today is Friday High Five hosted by the oh-so-funny Angela. It's not hard to play along. Just make your own list of five things, whatever five you want, and link up over at Angie's place.
Today my list consists of some of the odd things I experienced this week:
- My hubby and son took the dog for a walk early Sunday morning and Little G returned covered in "Flibergas". Seriously? How do you walk the dog and get covered in fiberglass. Apparently, he climb on a utility box that was covered in the stuff....while wearing shorts. He was not a happy camper.
- It is possible for my 30lb dog to shimmy under our canoe and rip out the seats. I mean who knew?
- Random rapid weather changes. One minute we are in the pool, the next minute it's pouring down rain and thundering and lightening.
- Tiny dogs can be furious. One tried to bite my dogs but off. Little G is still laughing about it.
- My hubby had mulch delivered on Wednesday. I told the guy to put in our driveway and he looked at me a little odd but then said okay. The mound of mulch my hubby ordered is blocking our entire garage door. Holy mulch, batman!
Did anything slightly odd happen to you this week?
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Writer's Workshop: 10 things that make me smile
Last week as part of Mama Kat's writer's workshop I listed the 10 things I'm currently sick of; so today I'm making sure my glass is half full, instead of half empty and listing 10 things that make me smile.
***I hope to add photos to this later. Having trouble uploading them now.
- Roses on my rose bushes.
- Watching my kids frolicking in the swimming pool.
- Listening to graduation speeches. I know this is a strange one, but as freelancer with our local paper I tend to cover at least a handful of these this time of year. I love the hope and the excitement that resonates from each and every speaker.
- Butterflies.
- Camping. This one should probably have an astrik and say fair weather camping. I'm not much of a "camping in the rain" kind of person. Our first trip this summer is set for the 4th of July weekend in Virginia. We are meeting my sister, who is joining us from North Carolina.
- BBQs. We had so much fun this weekend, good food, good company.
- Having the windows open. It's that time of year when you can open the windows and feel the breeze as it blows across your bed.
- Canoeing. Time to break out the canoe and see the kids faces light up.
- Fishing. I not one for taking them off the hook, but I love to see how excited everyone gets when the catch one.
- Hiking. Last summer, as part of our library program, we visited just about every park in our county in search of a stamp for our book. It was sooo much fun and the kids really enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to doing that again.
***I hope to add photos to this later. Having trouble uploading them now.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Preschool Teacher gifts
Here are the cute little gift bags my son gave to his preschool teachers. We put a $5.00 Borders gift card in them and he colored the bookmarks and signed his name to them. He was soooo excited to hand them out.
If you look closely, you can see my son jumped into the picture with my daughter on the left. He still had a binky and looked so little and the photo on the right shows how much he has grown.
This is the card we made for the classroom helper/assistant. It also has the same picture I took last week in it.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you have a fantastic Wednesday!
This is the card I made for his teacher. She also taught my middle daughter. The outside says Thank you so much and the inside says "for helping me grow".
If you look closely, you can see my son jumped into the picture with my daughter on the left. He still had a binky and looked so little and the photo on the right shows how much he has grown.
This is the card we made for the classroom helper/assistant. It also has the same picture I took last week in it.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you have a fantastic Wednesday!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Weekend Update: flies, picnics, hangin at the pool and parades
My weekend definitely had it's ups and it's downs. I feel much better since my last post and I appreciate all of your kind comments. Sunday afternoon, hubby and I took the kids to the pool we joined for the first time and we really had a nice family time.
Here is a picture of oldest right before she jumped off the high dive. Fearless.
Here is a picture of oldest right before she jumped off the high dive. Fearless.
On Monday morning there was a small local parade. The kids were a little disappointed that there was no candy throwing but it was still a lot of fun. Youngest and his buddy really seemed to enjoy the firetrucks.
Believe it or not, the weather stayed nice and we were able to have some neighbors over for a BBQ. It was great fun and everyone seemed to have a blast, even the kids.
Of course, now there is approximately 47 flies currently in my house. Is it wrong to hang fly tape from your chandelier?
Sunday, May 24, 2009
My love tank is a little low
Don't know what it is, but today my love tank is running on empty. I feel like my kids are growing up way to fast.
Oldest doesn't really like hanging out with me much anymore.
Middle daughter is so moody; it's like she has multiple personalities.
Little G is all about daddy. He doesn't mean to hurt my feelings, but he has pretty much decided that I'm an incompetent idiot.
Summer isn't even here yet and I feel it slipping away already.
School doesn't let out till June 10th! Ouch.
Middle G's birthday party is the weekend after school is out; we will be bombarded with company no doubt.
My mother wants to take the girls for a few days while she is on vacation. Why can't she just hang out with all of us.
But alas, the girls want to go and I'm sure fun will be had by all. Me and little G can hang out, at least until daddy gets home and I become invisible.
Oldest leaves for church camp for five nights on Father's Day weekend. It is the longest she will be away without talking to us everyday. She is so excited.
I am feeling sad.
I am feeling sad.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Friday High Five: 5 reasons I don't like the cable guy
It's Friday High Five time and for today's list I've compiled five reasons why I do not like the cable guy. As I posted yesterday, I've been having internet and phone problems for the last few days and then yesterday everything shut down.
This is what transpired:
Arrival time: I was told they would be here between 9-12; after missing yoga and a lunch date with a friend, my cell phone rings at 11:55; "Hi, I'm the cable guy. Are you still having problems?" What a stupid question. He doesn't get to the house until 12:30
Attire: He is dressed in work boots and shorts and his underwear are hanging out. They have super mario on them. Seriously? The guy is 30 something. Why does he have super mario underwear and more importantly why can I see them. I wanted to pull up his pants and tuck in his shirt.
Idiot: He tells me the problem is definately in my house and that he needs to take the plate off the wall my cable is running through so he can check the wire and replace it if necessary. The problem is the plate has no screws. Get this, he needs my permission to break it. Say what?
Clean up: He breaks the wall plate and leaves the pieces. He moves my husband's dresser and my bookshelve and doesn't return them. He tells me that I can not have two TVs split off of one upstairs connector and disconnects the little TV in my craft room.
Charges: After jacking up my wall, moving my furniture, disrupting my life for 1 1/2 hours he tells me that since the problem was inside the house I need to pay $29.95 for the service call or I can sign up for a maintenance plan for $3.95 for the rest of my life or however long I decide to have this jackass cable company. Hmmmm.....that's a real tough call.
How was your afternoon? Here's hoping you have a great holiday weekend.
To read more Friday High Five stories click on the button at the top of this post.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Writers Workshop: Ten things I'm currently sick of
Mama Kat is hosting her writer's workshop. Stop over and read some more. Maybe even play along. What's stopping you?
Ten things I'm currently sick of:
Fighting children: My daughters are fighting like the brats on Supernanny; I currently feel like I'm trapped in an episode of this show. The problem is there is no British woman in my house helping me sort the nonsense out.
Long season finales: I'll admit it, I like watching Dancing With the Stars. I really do. Why? I'm not sure but when I saw that it was on for 3 hours Tuesday, I realized that if I added up all the time I spent watching it I could have went on vacation for a week.
My computer: I have had shotty Internet service all day and now it finally went out. Along with my home phone. They can't come service it until tomorrow between 9-12. How do you like that. I work from home, I need to file stories tonight. I'm at my neighbors house.
KOHLS: I went paperless with my bill and then they only sent me one email that looked just like a sales email so I deleted it. I did that for two months and then they called and said WTF? Oops.
Competition Cheerleading coaches: Why are they all middle aged women who couldn't do a cheer to save their lives and why do they always think my daughter has attitude? Hello...isn't that a prerequisite?
Ticks: I live in PA, which may be the tick capital of the world. My husband has already pulled about 5 off the dog. I had one on my arm the other day. Quite frankly, I'm not sure why they exist.
Field trips: Why do we have to jam 14 field trips into the month of May and then try to guilt every stay-at-home mom in the world into attending them all? I've decided that if I can't go with one child, then I shouldn't go with the other. Is that wrong?
Preschool parents: Is it really your 4 year olds idea to buy $20 worth of candles and coffee for their teacher? I highly doubt that. My son wanted to buy them a book, I went with that and they all got $5 gift cards. He made them a bookmark. Your gift is more expensive, but our gift is better.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
The party invitations are complete
I can actually check one this off my list. The invites for Middle G's swim party are complete! This is the simple little design I came up with. Of course, the people are cut from the Paper Dolls Cartridge, the faces are Peachykeen Stamps. I think the paper is all DCWV, though I'm not positive what stack. If I had to guess, I would say the summer stack.
And just because I want to I'm posting this video of middle G and little G dancing. It was totally spontaneous. They dressed themselves in these cute little outfits and came downstairs to "put on a show for us." I hope you think it's as cute as I thought it was. (even if you don't, leave a comment and say you do--LOL)
BTW...I'm sorry that it's flipped. I can't figure out how to flip it the right way.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Birthday Invite Ideas, Cake suggestions and any other help you can offer
It's that time of year again for me. That time when I start freaking out about my kid's upcoming birthday. What to do? How much it will cost? If her friends will come? I'm gonna need some prozac. My eye is twitchin' just like this dog.
Middle G wants to have a pool party and she wants me to make the invitations. I love to make them, but sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the idea. I mean should we do beach balls, swim suits, penguins?
Plus she wants the worlds most elaborate cake and I'm trying to talk her out of that. What if it's 80 degrees that day? I'll just have a pool of ice cream. No pun, intended. Can't we just make a 9 x 12 cake, frost it blue, and call it a pool? How long do you think this cake will survive out of the freezer...seriously, I want your opinion. I suppose I could check with the pool about possibly using their freezer...hmmm.
Any suggestions, ideas, offers to make invitations for me would be greatly appreciated. The party is June 13th so I suppose I should invite someone.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Weekend Update - unmeasurable blood sugar, George Bush, and E.T.
Have you seen this man? He robbed my mother on Friday. For those of you who do not know, my mom is a bank teller. She's has been one for numerous years and on Friday she experienced her second bank robbery.
The gunman (yep, he had a gun) was dressed like George W. Bush. I know it's hard not to laugh. Some funny things my mom said to me after the incident and her adrenaline was still pumping.
"I was supposed to have a half day off today and he wrecked that for me. The FBI just now let me leave." It was after 3 p.m. and the robbery happened around 10 a.m.
"He only had a 22; if I were allowed to bring my gun to the bank this may not have happened." My mom has a concealed weapons permit. This knowledge doesn't make me feel much comfort and it should make the average person terrified.
"What makes me most mad about the situation is that he made over 20 grand in a minute and a half. It takes me nearly a year to make that." Yep, as I type this, no arrests have been made. It took the police more than 20 minutes to respond. His money is marked so perhaps they will still apprehend him. Only time will tell.
****************
My sister had a scare this weekend when my nephew's blood sugar was so high his meter could no longer read it. The school called her on Friday afternoon and told her when tested on two different meters his reading just said HIGH. Meaning is BS was more than 600! OUCH. It's supposed to be in the 100-150 range.
The doctor told her to check for sugar in his urine and to double his insulin, which also made her nervous. But I'm happy to report that he was showing no signs of such a high sugar and by supper time had a reading of 145.
Just goes to show you that even when you think this disease is under control it throws you a fast ball.
My in-laws came out for a visit this weekend and went to one of little G's t-ball games. It was a little chilly, but still fun. After they headed home, the kids and I watched E.T. They had never seen it before and it was great to see their reaction.
As for me, it still makes me cry.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Friday High Five - moments I wish I had back
Today for Friday High Five I decided to reflect back on my week and write about the moments I wish I had back. Those little things that I would do over if I could. Have you ever wanted to hit the reset button or rewind. What would you do differently?
Oldest G is getting very mouthy. She rolls her eyes at me a lot and pushes all of my button in a bad way. This week after throwing her backpack at me at the bus stop and demanding that I tell her what we were having for dinner so she could "decide whether or not to eat it." I slapped her. Not a proud moment in my life. If I could do that over, I'd try to get a script from The Cosby Show and follow it word for word. Instead of a slap, it would have ended in us getting down to the real problem at hand and then there would have been a big hug and a commercial break.
I would not have let Little G wear his black cape to the bus stop. It triped him up about 3 times and then he no longer wanted to wear it and insisted that I carry it back thereby breaking the rule "If you carry it or bring it with you, you bring it back". When he learned I had no intentions of carrying the cape, a temper tantrum like no other ensued. And to think it was only 8:00 a.m.
I would not have invited my mother to grandparents day at the elementary school. I thought she would enjoy spending time with Middle G and taking a day off in the middle of the week. It was also her 60th birthday. I wanted to take her to get a pedicure. She insisted that she couldn't come, which in turn made both Middle G and I feel a little slighted. The good news is my in-laws were able to make it out for the day instead.
I would not have watched the season finale of Grey's Anatomy. Taking a clue from the title, Here's to the Future--now or never, I would have selected NEVER. Why couldn't they just let Knight's character, George, go off to war. He could have potentially returned if they came up with a decent storyline for him. But this is Grey's and they aren't happy unless everyone is dead, dying or clinging to life. I'm ready for this show to be retired to the shallow halls of Lifetime.
I would have gone to the gym one more time. Lately I don't feel like I'm getting my money's worth at the gym. Everytime I see that debit, I think I should be going at least three times a week. This week I made it there on Monday and Friday. As Meatloaf would say, two out of three ain't bad.
To read more Friday High Five posts or to play along, click on the button at the top of this post.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Lost Recap - The Incident (Season Finale)
My head and heart is still pounding from this fabulous season finale. However, I can't believe that I will likely have to wait until January (dare I say it) to find out what happens next.Jacob is finally revealed to us and let me first say this "Damn, he is FINE". Second, what is up with him 1.) no aging 2.) visiting pretty much all of our major characters including Sayid, Kate, Sawyer, Sayid, John, Jin, Sun, Jack and Hurley? Is he Destiny? Is he Fate? Will you ever look at an interaction with a stranger the same way again?
Also, this would be a fine time to mention that our wonder bad boy Sawyer was even cute as a kid. LOL
Raise your hand if you were leaping out of your seat when Juliet was the one to layout the submarine guard. I mean WTF. If I were her I would have downed that sleeping potion and prayed Prince Charming would have woke me up on the other side.
I've been looking and looking for Rose and Bernard since season five began and let me just tell you their return could not have been sweeter. I love their love story, their faith, their journey. I just love everything about them. And given the choice, I would have stayed for tea.
Best line of the night:
Sawyer: "Didn't you hear me tell you to go to the beach?"
Bernard: "You mean while our friends were dying and flaming arrows were flying all around us? No, we missed that."
Sexy Sayid is shot. Say it isn't so! The scene when Nadia was hit by the car was completely heart wrenching. Hard to watch.
I loved the five minute talk between Jack and Sawyer. I just didn't want it to end. Ms. Flip-flop arrived and flopped her previous flipped position and told Sawyer we need to let Jack do this. Why Juliet? Why? Because she knows Sawyer still loves Kate? But if the plane never crashes you are still stuck on the island back in Dharmaville? Is that really better than a broken heart?
30 years in the future we learn that Jacob has also visit Alana. Why was her face all bandage up? We don't know? what is her mission? Other than finding what lies in the shadow of the statue we haven't a clue?
What language was the response to that question given by Richard? Any translation out there?
How is the stranger in the beginning on the island with Jacob now John Locke? Is Locke really dead? Is that really him in that trunk Alana and her friends have been toting around?
Is Jacob really dead? What will happen now?
Why didn't the bomb go off when Jack dropped it? Is Miles right? Are they causing "The Incident" that resulted in the need to push the life saving button to begin with?
Watching Sawyer trying to hold on to Juliet was nearly as heartbreaking as watching Sun scream for Jin.
Now that Juliet successfully exploded the hydrogen bomb, how will the new season open?
Six months is two long to wait!
If your blogging about LOST, please leave a link in the comment section!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Tomorrow I will do it differently
Tomorrow I will wake up with a smile on my face, instead of a pounding in my head.
Tomorrow I will scramble some eggs instead of offering pop-tarts and my kids will gobble them all up without a single complaint.
Tomorrow I will not have to ask twice to get my kids to brush their teeth and hair.
Tomorrow I will remember to put the garbage out of the dog's reach.
Tomorrow I will know where everyone's shoes are and we will not have to rush out the door to make it to the school bus.
Tomorrow I will go to the gym because I want to and not because I feel like I have to.
Tomorrow I will make sure my kids don't have a single temper tantrum as I will meet their every need.
Tomorrow I will wake up and belly laugh at the unlikeliness of this post.
To read more writing assignments at Mama Kat's
Tomorrow I will scramble some eggs instead of offering pop-tarts and my kids will gobble them all up without a single complaint.
Tomorrow I will not have to ask twice to get my kids to brush their teeth and hair.
Tomorrow I will remember to put the garbage out of the dog's reach.
Tomorrow I will know where everyone's shoes are and we will not have to rush out the door to make it to the school bus.
Tomorrow I will go to the gym because I want to and not because I feel like I have to.
Tomorrow I will make sure my kids don't have a single temper tantrum as I will meet their every need.
Tomorrow I will wake up and belly laugh at the unlikeliness of this post.
To read more writing assignments at Mama Kat's
Crafting with Confidence - episode four
Are you sick of these silly videos yet? I promise--this is the last one! And yes, my sister and I are always this goofy.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Tuesday Tribute - right there, by my side, through it all
Nearly two decades ago, when I worked at Burger King, I met a young boy who took me to prom when my then boyfriend wouldn't.He was sweet and quiet and seemed to care about what I had to say.
That was 19 years ago this month. He is still sweet and quiet and for the most part cares about what I have to say.
We've been through our share of ups and downs over the decades. It was difficult when he was away at college and I was back at home working. We spent a lot of weekends together in various parts of the state of Pennsylvania.
When we first moved outside of PA, I was surprised by the homesickness I felt. He was right there, by my side, through it all.
After we were married and found out that we were expecting our first child, I was again surprised by how sick I was. I always thought I would have a large family until I realized how hard being pregnant was on my body. I threw up for many weeks. He was right there, by my side, through it all.
When I first experienced postpartum depression, he was the first to notice that I wasn't myself. I cried at TV commercials, I stayed in my PJs all day. I needed medication. He was right there, by my side, through it all.
When I decided not to return to work and to stay home with our daughter, I didn't realize how isolated and lonely I would feel. He was right there, by my side, through it all.
When I felt overwhelmed by the fact that we had three kids under five, he would immediately take over, cook dinner and handle bed time...even if he just got home from work. He was right there, by my side, through it all.
When we found out we had to more back to PA, after finally growing roots in Ohio, I was sad and not ready to leave. I was afraid of feeling all of the things I felt before--isolated, lonely, sad. But he was right there, by my side, through it all.
What I have learned is that we make a great team. We have our disagreements and sometimes we don't see eye to eye. But we agree on the important things and in the long run that's what really matters.
I don't tell him often enough how much I appreciate all that he does. Especially the little things like always emptying the kitchen garbage, putting gas in my van every time he drives it, and making dinner on the weekends.
He understands my quirks and doesn't care if my hair is green. He even turns the van around so we can rescue turtles from the middle of the road in heavy mid-afternoon traffic.
He will always be right there, by my side, through it all. And I am so very grateful.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Weekend Update: Finally--NO RAIN, Sun, Fun and Mother's Day
Here's hoping your Mother's Day was filled with warm weather, fun activities and children who decided to love on each other instead of kill each other, even if it was just for the day. I got a new tree for Mother's Day and some very pretty orange flowers. The girls made me tea and brought me a pop tart for breakfast in bed. It was very sweet.
Every year I take their picture in front of my original Mother's Day Tree. This little maple is very special to me for many reasons. The first being that when we lived in Ohio my hubby and my then 3 year old found a little seedling growing in a driveway crack, they potted it and eventually planted it in the yard for me. It actually grew. But then we had to move! In the winter! And I couldn't dig up my precious little tree. I know...I wanted to cry too. However, it is good to have friends. My dear friend, Michelle, actually went to my old house in the spring and asked the new neighbors if she could did up my little maple.
They said sure as they were just going to dig it up and get rid of it anyway as it had no special meaning to them and was a little sapling in the middle of their new yard.
I was soo surprised when Michelle came to visit bring my little maple with her. We laughed and laughed while we dug the hole to plant it at 10:30 at night. What would my new neighbors think we were up too?
Below is this year's picture of my 7 year old maple...who is now much bigger than my kids.
Every year I take their picture in front of my original Mother's Day Tree. This little maple is very special to me for many reasons. The first being that when we lived in Ohio my hubby and my then 3 year old found a little seedling growing in a driveway crack, they potted it and eventually planted it in the yard for me. It actually grew. But then we had to move! In the winter! And I couldn't dig up my precious little tree. I know...I wanted to cry too. However, it is good to have friends. My dear friend, Michelle, actually went to my old house in the spring and asked the new neighbors if she could did up my little maple.
They said sure as they were just going to dig it up and get rid of it anyway as it had no special meaning to them and was a little sapling in the middle of their new yard.
I was soo surprised when Michelle came to visit bring my little maple with her. We laughed and laughed while we dug the hole to plant it at 10:30 at night. What would my new neighbors think we were up too?
Below is this year's picture of my 7 year old maple...who is now much bigger than my kids.
The weekend weather actually co-operated and we didn't have any rain. The first time in more than one week. I was starting to feel like Noah. Below is a picture of Little G on third base. Do you think he is having fun?
All in all, I had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend. The weather was great, the kids for the most part got along and when we went to the yard sale at my daughter's school we found a new radio for the van...one with a cd player...for only $20 bucks. It wasn't a quarter, but it was still a great deal.
One of my weekend goals was to finish refurbishing a dresser I bought at a yard sale. I'm happy to report that the dresser is done, in the girls room and filled with clothes. What do you think of my $40 treasure? Below are the before and after pictures. It was white with pink knobs.
All in all, I had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend. The weather was great, the kids for the most part got along and when we went to the yard sale at my daughter's school we found a new radio for the van...one with a cd player...for only $20 bucks. It wasn't a quarter, but it was still a great deal.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Friday High Five - this weekend
Today for Friday High five I decided I wanted to list some things I'd like to accomplish/complete/do this weekend. For all you mother's out there, I hope you have a wonderful Sunday filled with your favorite things
- I would like to go to the garage sale being held at my daughter's school tomorrow. Mostly to find some illusive treasure at the cost of 25 cents.
- I would like it to stop raining for the entire weekend. I'm sick of feeling like I'm on Noah's ark and I really want to be able to see Little G. play t-ball on Sunday
- I would like to finish staining the dresser I bought last week. It's my first foray in the refurbishing furniture department and it is taking me forever to strip, sand and paint the dresser I bought last week. However, I really like how it is turning out.
- I would like to have a picnic with my friend Becky and her family; we always have so much fun together; and
- I would like to take a picture of my kids next to my Mother's Day tree.
I hope your weekend is relaxing and fun. To read more Friday High Fives or to participate just click on the button at the top of this post.
Lost Review: Follow the Leader
OMG...I loved last night's episode and I can't wait till the season finale next week.
I do have to admit an underlying fear I have and that is this crazy current plot of blowing up the hydrogen bomb in the energy source at the Swan Station is somehow going to work and this crazy series will end with that damn flight landing safely in LA.
This will annoy me more than the ending of the Soprano's.
That being said, last night's episode was finally entertaining to me. I loved the fact that Richard was in both story lines in both time lines. Confusing, but great.
Regular readers know how much I love Sayid and last night he made a triumphant return and as an encore even got wet. Nice.
Anyone else notice that the CG of the submarine looked terrible? How about the look that Juliet gave Kate when she ended up on that same sub? Can't say I blame her and I doubt any jury would convict her if she decided to take Kate out of the picture permanently. I mean, damn, she just keeps showing up. No matter what year, no matter what location.
What are your thoughts about this illusive Jacob? Is John really going to kill him? Can he be killed? Is Jacob really Christian Sheppard? Isn't Christian already dead?
Will Jacob know how to get Sun to Jin? Will it involve another pendulum? Geez, I hope not. How do you think everyone will be reunited? If Daniel's plan actual works, won't it erase all of the good things too? Like John's ability to walk, Sun and Jin's miracle baby, and little Aaron??
Whatever happens I hope we soon learn what happened to Rose and Bernard?
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
May Book of the Month: Are You There Vodka, It's me Chelsea
This book is an easy, fun read for summer as long as you are not easily offended by sex and foul language. Handler leaves no detail of her personal life out of this book and I found myself frequently asking "Could this really be true?".
From her hilarious trip overseas with a recently rejected girlfriend to her little person co-star, these stories will make you snort out loud with laughter.
A personal favorite is when Big Red, her red-headed boyfriend, thinks she is getting two serious and comes over to break up with her while she has another guy hiding under her bed.
Also, having been humiliated at a step-aerobics class myself by an instructor who took pity on my inability to follow the routine and got onto my step to show me, I could relate very well to the following excerpt.
Having realized that she has put on a few pounds, Chelsea seeks the help of a nutritionist who recommends she vary her exercise routine and take an aerobic class. The following is her response.
I explained to Mark (the nutritionist) that I had been kicked out of three separate aerobics classes due to severe motor challenges when moving my arms and legs in different directions. He seemed suspicious of me and I didn't want him to think I was making up excuses. I told him about the first time I took a step class, when I hit my neighbor after I had somehow managed in my confusion to step my way over to her step. The first time I backhanded her, the instructor let it slide. The second time, my victim had fallen to the floor and was covering one side of her face when the music came to a screeching halt. I would have been an idiot not to figure out that I had made a major step faux pas. The last incident was during a class called the Bar Method, which uses ballet bars and poses that focus on concentrated areas. This was the only class I hadn't been kicked out of due to my spastic hand-eye coordination. But I did get kicked out for giving the instructor the finger. After hearing this, Mark suggested I try boxing.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Crafting with Confidence: Episode 3
This is the third installment of Crafting with Confidence, the humorous craft show I filmed with my sister when we were at the beach a few weeks ago. I would love to know what you think of it.
Happy Tuesday and remember to use your paper cutter with caution.
Happy Tuesday and remember to use your paper cutter with caution.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Weekend update: green hair, giant fish and a wet day at Dutchwonderland
This weekend was filled with rain, much different than last weekend. On Saturday, hubby took son fishin and totally tricked me with this picture.
You should know this about me; I just never caught the "hair bug" even as a teenager, I couldn't care less about my hair. No matter what, I have never liked it. I have had it permed, I have had it straightened, I have had it highlighted, I have had it all one length, I have had it freakishly short, I've had a mullet, I wore it in a ponytail for two years straight. I joke that I would like to shave my head and often times I consider it while I'm buzzing my son's hair.
So today I give you spring short and green. I'm thinking about using it as my new profile pic both here and on facebook.
I really thought he caught a whopper. LOL
After laughing his ass off, hubby told me it was just the way he took the picture. The fish is much closer to the lens. Clever, isn't it.
Dear daughters and I went garage sailing, but we didn't last long. Too wet, too cold. After that we went to the beauty salon. I took a bunch of cute pictures with my phone.
I let the girls get a strip of color in their hair and they were over the top excited. Of course, their excitement was contagious and they convinced me that I would be ubber cool with green in my hair. I have to say I think they were right. LOL
You should know this about me; I just never caught the "hair bug" even as a teenager, I couldn't care less about my hair. No matter what, I have never liked it. I have had it permed, I have had it straightened, I have had it highlighted, I have had it all one length, I have had it freakishly short, I've had a mullet, I wore it in a ponytail for two years straight. I joke that I would like to shave my head and often times I consider it while I'm buzzing my son's hair.
So today I give you spring short and green. I'm thinking about using it as my new profile pic both here and on facebook.
On Sunday, we spent media day at Dutchwonderland. It was rainy and cool, but we had a blast. I can't complain about a thing. We practically had the park to ourselves, we had a catered lunch and we were invited to return some other day when the weather was more inviting.
Does it get any better than that???
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Fun and Games with Jenners
Jenners is having fun on her blog with mixed up book genres. I told her I wanted to give it a try and then I forgot about it. If you have a chance to pop over to her blog you have to read her take on this challenge. It is snort-out-loud funny. Seriously, girl, you have out done yourself.
Here's my not nearly as funny entry:
Here's my not nearly as funny entry:
Dr. Phil Mcgraw write as Barbara Parks
beloved Junie B. Jones character
My name is Phillip Mcgraw. Thanks to Oprah the McGraw is unnessary. I don't like Phillip. I just like Phil and that's all.
I am not a real doctor but I play on on TV. My show is called Dr. Phil. Not Phillip.
There are lots of rules on that show.
Like no talking unless I want you to.
and every guest must cry so ratings will remain high.
I get to say things like "Sometimes you make the right decision and sometimes you make the decision right." I don't really know what the means but it sounds good.
My wife's name is Robin. She is real pretty. Like many, I'm not sure what she sees in me. She has another name too but I just like Robin and that's all.
How's it working for me? Better than a horse's tail swats flies, that's how.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Friday High Five - five reasons not to buy your children anything electronic
Remember when you would play as a child? You used to have to make your own noises, sounds, dialogue. Today's toys, quite frankly, just aren't the same. Now when you play with a farm all the animals make their own noises. Personally, I think this is why my son, who is five, still isn't 100% sure what sound a sheep makes. Of course, is could be bad parenting, I'm not rulling that out...LOL
Today I decided to list all the reasons I hate electronic toys:
Today I decided to list all the reasons I hate electronic toys:
- Batteries: We've been trying to go a little greener in this house. I bought a battery charger; I'm trying not to use paper towels; I'm cleaning with all natural products. Electronic toys burn through batteries at an alarming rate. Even when you are trying to charge those batteries, it becomes overwhelming and annoying.
- No imagination: If they baby doll already makes noises, moves and blinks--what is the point? I can remember playing dolls with my sister and we made up the entire plot, setting, circumstance. It was fun. Today's baby dolls are 1) scary looking 2) actually poop which quite frankly is scary and 3) can't go in the tub because they take batteries. How fun is that?
- Cost too much: My oldest has LOST her Nintendo DS. I'm fuming, but on the other hand, I'm more than aware that she is 10. She doesn't know how much they cost. She is not responsible enough for a toy that cost more than $100. Why did I have to learn this lesson the hard way?
- Are annoying: I was trying to clean out one of our toy boxes and everything was talking, moving, lighting up. UGH. I had to take tylenol when I finished.
- Have too many small parts: Do the manufacturers ever take these toys home and see how long they can keep the pieces. We have a talking 8 inch Hermione doll who actually has a wand. Seriously. Who's brilliant idea was this. It's about 1 1/2 inches long. I found it today and not the DS. How's that for irony??
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About Me
- kisatrtle
- I'm a 41 year old (gasp) freelance writer, school cafeteria manager, wife and mother. I have three children and one anxious and overweight beagle. I use my blog to make others laugh, to share some cool crafts, to document my lunchlady adventures and to lament about the challenges faced by us all on the journey called life. Thanks for visiting. Please leave some crack...um...I meant some comments.
